Best Frugal Tips

Thriving and (not just surviving) on $30,000 a year!

$30,000 a year does not seem like much. It definitely doesn’t seem like enough for one person to live off of for a year. Much less a family of four! It is a very unrealistic number for some people. The factors that make it unrealistic are usually self-imposed though. Getting to a point where you can live on such a modest amount of money can also be self-imposed. The key to it being possible is wanting it to happen and making it happen. When there’s a will, there’s a way. Here are some of the best frugal tips that you should consider.

Best Frugal Tips for Living Under $30,000

There are several factors that you need to consider making a financial lifestyle change. First, get real about your finances. It is very easy to look the other way, ignore the problem, and make excuses. Get ahold of your budget and really look at it. Dive into it. Become a CEO and think of your house as your business. Look hard at your expenses and see what is driving up the cost. If you choose to live in a big city where your rent is $3000 a month, maybe it’s time to look into a roommate, co-op, or suburban life. If you’re spending so much time at work that you can’t grocery shop and cook for yourself that dining out or eating fast food and it’s time to look at the cost/benefit ratio. What about your “must-have’s”? Are they really “must have’s” or are they “most wanted”? And finally, look hard and long at your debt. Is the stress of worrying about if the next phone call is a collection call or if your mailbox is full of bills worth it?

Making a change is not easy. It may mean compromise. Actually, it will always mean compromise. If what you get out of that compromise is a winning scenario that means less stress, more time with your family and friends, and more money for the future… then isn’t that compromise worth it? Play the game with the hand you are dealt, not with the cards the dealer hasn’t given you yet. If you don’t have the money in the bank, just wait until you do.

Angie Rumpf

I am a stay at home mom and happily married to my husband Tom. I have a five year old daughter and a two and a half year old son. I grew up in Orlando, but went to school in New York City and lived in Los Angeles before moving home to raise a family. I have worked in the film industry since the early nineties, and for over a decade with the Florida Film Festival. I also spent many years working in marketing with Glaceau and Honest Tea. But, I am happiest at home building my family.